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MARKETING SERVICES CORPORATION OF
AMERICA
FIRST AID TUTORIAL
BASIC TECHNIQUES TO HANDLE COMMON MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
Version 5.0 - c 1991,1992,1993 MSCA
INTRODUCTION: This tutorial has been
prepared by a Certified First Aid Instructor with many years experience teaching
first aid, CPR and basic life support courses. While the material presented
conforms to commonly accepted standards, it is not intended to substitute for
formalized classroom instruction in first aid, as offered by many community
groups and organizations. Nor should this tutorial be relied upon for use at the
time of an emergency. The time to learn first aid is BEFORE you
need to use it!
Each year 64 million Americans sustain injuries that require medical attention
or restrict their activities for more than half-a-day! The material on this disk
could save the life of someone dear to you! We suggest you peruse the material
to get an overview of the various areas covered, then spend time reviewing each
topic in detail.
Since you will probably use the skills presented on this disk only from time to
time, it is a good idea to review its content every so often so you don't forget
the valuable lessons. It is also strongly recommended you sign up for an
inclusive first aid and CPR course.
This disk is SHAREWARE. You are
encouraged to make copies of it and to distribute it freely to anyone interested
in the subject material. Shareware is user-supported. This means you may review
the program and decide if it is of value to you. If you feel this disk has
provided you with worthwhile training you can use in a medical emergency, you
are expected to register with the program author.
REGISTRATION AFFORDS THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:
1. You will gain the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting the continued
growth of the SHAREWARE concept: REASONABLY-PRICED SOFTWARE YOU CAN TRY BEFORE
YOU BUY!
2. You will receive notice of updated versions of this program!
3. You will receive a FIRST AID KIT containing an assortment of supplies in a
compact plastic case. The kit is ideal for home or car!
4. You will receive a SPECIAL HEALTHCARE COLLECTION including programs to help
you lose weight, stop smoking, identify potentially dangerous drug interactions
and other timely and informative programs to help you maintain your good health!
(Specific programs in the Healthcare Collection you will receive may vary as
more relevant material becomes available)
SELECT THE REGISTRATION OPTION ON THE MAIN MENU & SEND IT IN TODAY! THANK
YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
| SECTION I ORDER OF PRIORITY IN AN EMERGENCY | SECTION VII EYE INJURIES | SECTION XIII DIABETIC EMERGENCIES |
| SECTION II OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE AIRWAY | SECTION VIII NOSE INJURIES | SECTION XIV STROKE |
| SECTION III HEART ATTACK | SECTION IX ANIMAL BITES | SECTION XV SEIZURES |
| SECTION IV BLEEDING | SECTION X INSECT BITES | SECTION XVI HEAT EMERGENCIES |
| SECTION V SHOCK | SECTION XI FRACTURES, SPRAINS, STRAINS & DISLOCATIONS | SECTION XVII COLD EMERGENCIES |
| SECTION VI BURNS | SECTION XII POISONING | SECTION XVIII LEGAL & ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS |
SECTION
I
ORDER OF PRIORITY IN AN EMERGENCY
In EVERY emergency situation, there is a logical order to be
followed. First, it is important to carefully assess the scene of an emergency BEFORE
any further steps are taken. The purpose of this assessment is to assure it is
safe to provide first aid care. For example, an unconscious victim might
be lying on a live power line. If a rescuer were to touch the victim before the
power could be shut off, the rescuer would become a victim as well! Always be
sure it is safe before you attempt to help a victim!
Once you determine it is safe for you to help a victim, you should immediately
determine if the victim has any life threatening conditions.
Begin by checking to see if the victim is responsive. Kneel and ask,
"ARE YOU OK?" If there is no response, you must immediately
summon an ambulance! Recent studies have conclusively shown that victims who are
not breathing and do not have a heartbeat have a substantially greater chance
for survival if they receive prompt advanced medical care in a hospital or by
trained paramedics.
Only after a call is placed for emergency medical services does a volunteer
attempt to further help an unconscious victim. If there are bystanders on
the scene, summon someone to your side to provide assistance.
If the victim is on his stomach, first place the victim's arm closest to you
above his head. Then turn him over by placing one hand on the victim's hip and
the other hand at the victim's shoulder. Turn the body in a smooth, even
straight line so as to not cause further injury in the event of existing spinal
cord injury.
With the victim now on his back, OPEN THE VICTIM'S AIRWAY by
placing the heel of your hand on the victim's forehead and the tips of your
fingers under the bony part of the jaw.
Push down on the forehead while lifting up the chin until the jaw is pointing
straight up. Now place your ear over the victim's mouth and LOOK, LISTEN
& FEEL for breathing for 3 to 5 seconds. LOOK at the
chest to see if it is rising, LISTEN for sounds of breathing and FEEL
for air coming from the victim.
IF THE VICTIM IS NOT BREATHING, RESCUE BREATHING IS
REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY!
IMPORTANT: WHILE THIS TUTORIAL IDENTIFIES LIFE THREATENING CONDITIONS REQUIRING
RESCUE BREATHING OR CPR, THESE SKILLS REQUIRE INTENSIVE CLASSROOM SKILL
DEVELOPMENT AND PRACTICE AND CANNOT BE EFFECTIVELY PRESENTED OR TAUGHT IN THIS
TUTORIAL. THE AUTHOR STRONGLY ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO ENROLL IN A CPR COURSE
Rescue breathing will provide vital oxygen to a victim who cannot breath on
their own. After giving a victim two breaths,
the pulse is checked at the Carotid Artery
to ascertain if the victim has a heartbeat. This artery is located on the side
of the neck and is found by first positioning the fingers on the victim's Adam's
Apple, then sliding the fingers down into the soft groove on the side of the
neck. The pulse is checked for 5 to 10 seconds.
If the victim has a heartbeat, but is not breathing, RESCUE BREATHING
is required. If the victim is NOT breathing AND does
NOT have a HEARTBEAT, CPR
is required without delay!
These initial steps of checking the AIRWAY, BREATHING and CIRCULATION
(pulse), together with a check for major BLEEDING, constitute THE
PRIMARY SURVEY, which looks for life-threatening conditions!
In every instance where first aid is to be provided, it is important to always
ask a conscious victim for permission to help them. If a victim is unconscious,
it is presumed they have provided consent for you to assist them.
SECTION
II
OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE AIRWAY
[NOTE: Emergency treatment of airway
obstructions is taught as part of CPR training and only through classroom
practice can the necessary skills be mastered. The mechanics of handling airway
obstructions are presented in this tutorial for background insight only]
If an individual is choking - but can speak or cough forcibly - there is an
exchange of air (although it might be diminished) and you should encourage the
victim to continue coughing while you just stand by! On the other hand, if a
victim is choking, but CANNOT speak or cough, an airway obstruction exists which
must be treated immediately!
The treatment for an obstructed airway in a conscious victim involves use of the
HEIMLICH MANEUVER which is performed as follows:
STAND BEHIND THE VICTIM
WRAP YOUR ARMS AROUND THE VICTIM'S WAIST
MAKE A FIST WITH ONE HAND AND PLACE THE THUMB SIDE OF THE FIST AGAINST THE
VICTIM'S ABDOMEN, JUST ABOVE THE NAVEL AND WELL BELOW THE LOWER TIP OF THE
BREASTBONE
GRASP YOUR FIST WITH YOUR OTHER HAND
WITH ELBOWS OUT, PRESS YOUR FIST INTO THE VICTIM'S ABDOMEN WITH QUICK, UPWARD
THRUSTS
EACH THRUST IS A DISTINCT, SEPARATE ATTEMPT TO DISLODGE THE FOREIGN OBJECT
REPEAT THRUSTS UNTIL FOREIGN OBJECT IS CLEARED OR VICTIM BECOMES UNCONSCIOUS
Emergency treatment of airway obstructions in an unconscious victim is taught in
CPR classes.
SECTION III
HEART ATTACK
Heart attacks are among the leading cause of death in the United States. A heart
attack happens when one or more of the blood vessels that supply blood to the
heart become blocked. When this occurs, cells in the heart begin to die when
they cannot get blood for vital nourishment. If a large part of the heart is
deprived of blood, the heart stops beating and the victim suffers CARDIAC
ARREST!
When a victim's heart stops beating, they require CARDIOPULMONARY
RESUSCITATION (CPR) which provides vital
oxygen through rescue breathing and which maintains circulation through chest
compressions.
PROPER TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM CPR,
HOWEVER ANY HEART ATTACK CAN LEAD TO CARDIAC ARREST AND IT IS THEREFORE VITAL
FOR FIRST-AIDERS TO BE ABLE TO RECOGNIZE THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART
ATTACK SO THE VICTIM CAN RECEIVE PROMPT PROFESSIONAL ATTENTION!
A heart attack victim whose heart is still beating has a much better chance of
survival than a victim whose heart has stopped! Most heart attack victims who
die succumb within 2 hours after having their heart attack. Many of these
victims could be saved if bystanders recognize the symptoms of a heart attack
and get the victim to a hospital quickly! Indeed, many victims of heart attacks
think they are experiencing HEARTBURN or other minor discomfort
when in fact their life is in jeopardy!
The most significant sign of a heart attack is chest pain. The victim may
describe it as pressure, a feeling of tightness in the chest, aching, crushing,
fullness or tightness, constricting or heavy pain. The pain may be located in
the center of the chest although it is not uncommon for the pain to radiate to
one or both shoulders or arms or to the neck, jaw or back.
In addition to pain, victims may experience sweating, nausea or shortness of
breath. Many victims deny they may be having a heart attack. Others may have
their condition worsened by fear of dying.
With all victims of heart attacks - and with all victims receiving first aid for
any condition - it is important for the rescuer to constantly reassure the
victim and keep them as calm and relaxed as possible. The psychological value of
reassurance is as important in first aid as any treatments!
FIRST AID FOR A HEART ATTACK
1. Recognize the signs & symptoms of a heart attack
2. Comfort & reassure the victim
3. Have the victim stop whatever they were doing and sit or lie in a
comfortable position
4. Summon emergency medical help quickly
5. If the victim become unconscious, be prepared to perform CPR
[IF YOU ARE TRAINED TO DO SO]
All of us can reduce the risk of heart attack by controlling high blood
pressure, limiting cholesterol in the diet, watching weight, exercising, giving
up smoking and minimizing stress.
SECTION IV
BLEEDING
Major bleeding may be a life-threatening condition requiring immediate
attention. Bleeding may be external or internal. Bleeding may be from an ARTERY,
a major blood vessel which carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart throughout
the body. It may be from a VEIN, which carries blood back to the
heart to be oxygenated or bleeding may be from a CAPILLARY, the
smallest of our body's blood vessels.
ARTERIAL bleeding is characterized by
spurts with each beat of the heart, is bright red in color
(although blood darkens when it meets the air) and is usually severe and hard to
control. ARTERIAL bleeding requires immediate attention!
VENUS bleeding is characterized by a steady flow and
the blood is dark, almost maroon in shade. Venus bleeding is easier to control
than Arterial bleeding.
CAPILLARY bleeding is usually slow, oozing in nature
and this type of bleeding usually has a higher risk of infection than other
types of bleeding.
FIRST AID FOR BLEEDING IS INTENDED TO:
l. STOP THE BLEEDING
2. PREVENT INFECTION
3. PREVENT SHOCK
HOW TO CONTROL BLEEDING:
1. Apply direct pressure on the
wound. Use a dressing, if available. If a dressing is not available, use a rag,
towel, piece of clothing or your hand alone.
Important: Once pressure is
applied, keep it in place. If dressings become soaked with blood,
apply new dressings over the old dressings. The less a bleeding wound is
disturbed, the easier it will be to stop the bleeding!
2. If bleeding continues, and you do not suspect a fracture, elevate
the wound above the level of the heart and continue to apply
direct pressure.
3. If the bleeding still cannot be controlled, the next step is to apply
pressure at a pressure point. For wounds of the arms or hands,
pressure points are located on the inside of the wrist ( radial artery-where
a pulse is checked) or on the inside of the upper arm (brachial artery).
For wounds of the legs, the pressure point is at the crease in the groin (femoral
artery). Steps 1 and 2 should be continued with use of the pressure
points.
4. The final step to control bleeding is to apply
a pressure bandage over the wound. Note the distinction between a
dressing and a bandage. A dressing may be a gauze square applied directly to a
wound, while a bandage, such as roll gauze, is used to hold a dressing in place.
Pressure should be used in applying the bandage. After the bandage is in place,
it is important to check the pulse to make sure circulation is not interrupted.
When faced with the need to control major bleeding, it is not important that the
dressings you will use are sterile! Use whatever you have at hand and work fast!
A slow pulse rate, or bluish fingertips or toes,
signal a bandage may be impeding circulation.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF INTERNAL
BLEEDING ARE:
* Bruised, swollen, tender or rigid abdomen
* Bruises on chest or signs of fractured ribs
* Blood in vomit
* Wounds that have penetrated the chest or abdomen
* Bleeding from the rectum or vagina
* Abnormal pulse and difficulty breathing
* Cool, moist skin
First aid in the field for internal bleeding is limited. If the injury
appears to be a simple bruise, apply cold packs to slow bleeding, relieve pain
and reduce swelling. If you suspect more severe internal bleeding, carefully
monitor the patient and be prepared to administer CPR if required (and you are
trained to do so). You should also reassure the victim, control external
bleeding, care for shock (covered in next section), loosen tight-fitting
clothing and place victim on side so fluids can drain from the mouth.
SECTION V
SHOCK
Shock is common with many injuries, regardless of their severity. The first hour
after an injury is most important because it is during this period that symptoms
of shock appear. If shock is not treated, it can progress to cause death!
Shock is failure of the cardiovascular system to keep adequate blood
circulating to the vital organs of the body, namely the heart, lungs and brain.
Any type of injury can cause shock.
Signs and symptoms of shock include: confused behavior, very fast or very
slow pulse rate, very fast or very slow breathing, trembling and weakness in the
arms or legs, cool and moist skin, pale or bluish skin, lips and fingernails and
enlarged pupils.
TREATMENT FOR SHOCK:
A good rule to follow is to anticipate that shock will follow an injury
and take measures to prevent it before it
happens!
Putting a victim in a lying-down position improves circulation. If the
victim is not suspected of having head or neck injuries, or leg
fractures, elevate the legs. If you suspect head or neck injuries, keep
the victim lying flat. If the victim vomits, turn on their side. If victim is
experiencing trouble breathing, place them in a semi-reclining position.
Maintain the victim's body temperature, but do not overheat.
SECTION VI
BURNS
The severity of a burn depends upon its size, depth and location. Burns are most
severe when located on the face, neck, hands, feet and genitals. Also, when they
are spread over large parts of the body or when they are combined with other
injuries.
Burns result in pain, infection and shock. They are most serious when the
victims are very young or very old.
First degree burns are the least
severe. They are characterized by redness or
discoloration, mild
swelling and pain. Overexposure
to the sun is a common cause of first degree burns.
Second degree burns are more serious. They are deeper than first
degree burns, look red or mottled
and have blisters. They may
also involve loss of fluids through the damaged skin. Second degree
burns are usually the most painful because nerve ending are usually intact,
despite severe tissue damage.
Third degree burns are the deepest. They may look
white or charred, and extend through all skin layers. Victims of
third degree burns may have severe pain -- or no pain at all -- if the nerve
endings are destroyed.
FIRST AID FOR BURNS;
First degree: flush with cool
running water, apply moist dressings & bandage loosely
Second degree: apply dry dressings and bandage loosely. Do not
use water as it may increase risk of shock
Third degree: same treatment as second degree
All victims of serious burns should seek
professional help quickly!
Burns may also be caused by chemicals. In these
cases, it is important to remove clothing on which chemicals have spilled and
flush the affected area with copious amounts of water for 15 to 30 minutes.
SECTION VII
EYE INJURIES
Be extremely careful and gentle when treating eye injuries.
Floating objects in the eye which can be visualized may be flushed from the eye
with water. If the object cannot be removed in this manner, the victim should
seek medical attention.
Never attempt to
remove objects imbedded in the eye!
First Aid care for these injuries consists of bandaging BOTH
eyes and seeking professional care promptly! An inverted paper cup
covered with a bandage is appropriate for serious eye injuries while the victim
is transported to the hospital.
For chemical burns of the eye, wash the eye with copious amounts of water for 15
to 30 minutes. Then wrap a bandage around both eyes and seek professional help.
Eyes are delicate and sight is precious! Prompt
professional attention to eye injuries is required to preserve sight!
SECTION
VIII
NOSE INJURIES
Severe nosebleed can be most frightening. It
can also lead to shock if enough blood is lost! Many cases of
nosebleed can be controlled simply by having the victim sit down, pinch
the nostrils shut and lean forward (to prevent blood from running into
the throat).
Once the bleeding has been stopped, talking, walking and blowing the nose
may disturb blood clots and allow the bleeding to resume. The victim
should rest quietly until it appears the bleeding remains stopped.
If it is suspected that the victim has suffered
head, neck or back injuries DO NOT attempt to control the blood flow as they may
cause increased pressure on injured tissue.
All uncontrolled
nosebleeds require prompt medical attention!
SECTION IX
ANIMAL BITES
ANIMAL BITES CARRY A HIGH RISK OF INFECTION AND
REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL ATTENTION PROMPTLY!
Infection may develop hours, or days, after an animal bite. Signs and symptoms
of infection are pain & tenderness at the wound site, redness, heat,
swelling, pus at the wound site, red streaks in the skin around the wound and
possible swollen glands closest to the wound.
First aid care for animal bites includes washing the wound well with soap
and water, if there is no heavy bleeding. Then cover the wound and
seek professional attention. A serious wound should be cleaned
only by trained medical personnel.
SECTION X
INSECT BITES
INSECT BITES AND STINGS CAN BE LIFE-THREATENING TO
PEOPLE WITH SEVERE ALLERGY TO THE INSECT'S VENOM!
Signs and symptoms of allergic reaction include pain, swelling of the throat,
redness or discoloration at the site of the bite, itching, hives, decreased
consciousness and difficult or noisy breathing.
First aid calls for being alert for signs of allergic reaction or shock and
seeking medical attention as quickly as possible for these victims!
If a stinger remains in the victim, you may try to remove it carefully with a
tweezers or by scraping with the edge of a credit card. Be
careful not to squeeze the stinger as this will inject more venom.
Once a stinger has been removed, the wound should be washed well with soap and
water. Cold compresses will help relieve pain and swelling. The stung area
should be kept lower than the heart to slow circulation of the venom.
REMEMBER, IN ALL CASES OF INSECT BITES, WATCH FOR
SIGNS OF ALLERGIC REACTION AND IF THEY APPEAR, SEEK PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL
ATTENTION WITHOUT DELAY!
SECTION
XI
FRACTURES, SPRAINS, STRAINS &
DISLOCATIONS
Fractures, sprains, strains and dislocations may be hard for the lay person to
tell apart. For this reason, first aid treatment of any of these
conditions is handled as though the injury was a fracture.
Signs and symptoms of the above conditions may include a "grating"
sensation of bones rubbing together, pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising and an
inability to move the injured part.
First Aid for any of these conditions consists of:
* Control bleeding, if present.
* Care for shock.
* Splint affected area to prevent further movement, but do so only if possible
without causing further pain to victim.
* Cold packs may help reduce pain and swelling.
Victims with traumatic injuries, such as those caused by automobile accidents,
falls etc. should not be moved except by trained rescue workers. Head, neck and
back injuries are serious and require special care for movement and transport of
victims with these conditions. In exceptional circumstances, such as when a
victim is at risk of further injury unless moved, the victim's head and neck
should be stabilized and the body moved with minimal flexing of the head, neck
or spinal cord.
ALL VICTIMS WITH FRACTURES, DISLOCATIONS, SPRAINS AND STRAINS REQUIRE
PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ATTENTION.
SECTION XII
POISONING
Over a million cases of poisoning occur in the United States each year, most
involving young children. PREVENTION
of poisoning should be the concern of every parent with young children.
Substances likely to cause poisoning should be kept away from inquiring
youngsters!
Since various poisons cause different symptoms, and because treatments vary
depending upon the substance ingested, the first step in the event of poisoning
is to call the local Poison Control Center! Do not
wait for symptoms to occur! Identify the nature of the poison and
receive specific care instructions from the professional staff at the center!
All poisoning victims need to be monitored carefully for signs of shock or
impaired consciousness.
Every household should keep ACTIVATED CHARCOAL & SYRUP
OF IPECAC on hand for possible use in poisoning emergencies, however
they should not be administered unless instructed by the Poison
Control Center staff. Both of these items are readily available, without
prescription, at any drug store.
SECTION
XIII
DIABETIC EMERGENCIES
Sugar is required in the body for nourishment. Insulin is a hormone that helps
the body use the sugar. When the body does not produce enough Insulin,
body cells do not get the needed nourishment and diabetes results. People with
this condition take Insulin to keep their diabetes under control.
Diabetics are subject to two very different types of emergencies:
1. INSULIN REACTION (OR INSULIN SHOCK)
This condition occurs when there is TOO MUCH INSULIN in the
body. This condition rapidly reduces the level of sugar in the blood and brain
cells suffer.
Insulin reaction can be caused by taking too much medication, by failing to eat,
by heavy exercise and by emotional factors.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Fast breathing, fast pulse, dizziness, weakness, change in the level of
consciousness, vision difficulties, sweating, headache, numb hands or feet, and
hunger.
2. DIABETIC COMA
This condition occurs when there is TOO MUCH SUGAR and too
little INSULIN in the blood and body cells do not get enough nourishment.
Diabetic coma can be caused by eating too much sugar, by not taking prescribed
medications, by stress and by infection.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Diabetic coma develops more slowly than Insulin shock, sometimes over a period
of days. Signs and symptoms include drowsiness, confusion, deep and fast
breathing, thirst, dehydration, fever, a change in the level of consciousness
and a peculiar sweet or fruity-smelling breath
- often mistaken for alcohol intoxication.
FIRST AID FOR INSULIN REACTION AND DIABETIC COMA
Looking for the signs and symptoms listed above will help to distinguish the two
diabetic emergencies. In addition, if the patient is conscious, you can ask two
very important questions which will help determine the nature of the problem:
1. ASK "HAVE YOU EATEN TODAY?"
Someone who has eaten, but has not taken prescribed medication may be in a
diabetic coma.
2. ASK "HAVE YOU TAKEN YOUR MEDICATION TODAY?"
Someone who has not eaten, but did take their medication, may be having an
Insulin reaction.
DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN THE TWO TYPES OF DIABETIC EMERGENCIES CAN BE
DIFFICULT.
(Always look for an identifying bracelet which may
reveal a person's condition)
Of the two conditions, insulin shock is a true
emergency which requires prompt action! A person in insulin shock
needs sugar, quickly! If the person is conscious,
give sugar in any form: candy, fruit juice or a soft drink!
Sugar given to a person in insulin shock can be
life-saving! If the person is suffering from diabetic coma, the
sugar is not required but will not cause them further harm.
Monitor victims carefully. Seek professional
help.
SECTION XIV
STROKE
Stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted long enough to
cause damage.
This may be caused by a clot formed in an artery in the brain or carried to the
brain in the bloodstream, a ruptured artery in the brain or by compression of an
artery in the brain, as found with brain tumors.
First aid consists primarily of recognizing signs and symptoms and seeking
professional attention.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A STROKE INCLUDE:
* Weakness and numbness of the face, arm, or leg, often on one
side of the body only.
* Dizziness
* Confusion
* Headache
* Ringing in the ears
* A change of mood
* Difficulty speaking
* Unconsciousness
* Pupils of uneven size
* Difficulty in breathing & swallowing
* Loss of bowel and bladder control
If you suspect a person is having a stroke, have them stop whatever they are
doing and rest. Promptly obtain professional help. Reassure the victim and keep
them comfortable. Do not give anything by mouth. If the victim
vomits, allow for fluids to drain from the mouth. Observe carefully while
awaiting professional help and, if trained to do so, monitor the airway,
breathing and circulation and be prepared to administer rescue breathing or CPR,
if required!
SECTION XV
SEIZURES
Seizures are fairly common occurrences, but are very misunderstood! Seizures,
per se, are not a specific condition. Rather, they may be caused by many
different types of conditions such as insulin shock, high fevers, viral
infections of the brain, head injuries or drug reactions.
When seizures recur with no identifiable cause, the person is said to have
epilepsy.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Many individuals have a warning AURA (or sensation) before the
onset of a seizure. Many times, a person about to have a seizure will physically
move themselves from danger (as from the edge of a train platform) before the
seizure begins.
Seizures can range from mild to severe. Mild seizures may take place and end in
a matter of seconds.
Severe seizures may involve uncontrollable muscle spasms, rigidity, loss of
consciousness, loss of bladder and bowel control, and in some cases, breathing
that stops temporarily.
Many epileptics carry cards or bracelets which identify their condition.
FIRST AID
Summon professional help. Prevent the person from injuring themselves by moving
furniture or equipment.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RESTRAIN A PERSON SUFFERING A
SEIZURE AND DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THEIR MOUTH!
Loosen clothing. If they vomit, turn on their side to allow fluids to drain.
Stay with the person until they are fully conscious. If trained, administer
rescue breathing or CPR, if required.
SECTION
XVI
HEAT EMERGENCIES
There are three types of heat emergencies you may be required to treat.
1. HEAT STROKE
This is the most serious type of heat emergency. It is LIFE-THREATENING
and requires IMMEDIATE and AGGRESSIVE
treatment!
Heat stroke occurs when the body's heat regulating mechanism fails. The body
temperature rises so high that brain damage --and death-- may result unless the
body is cooled quickly.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
The victim's skin is HOT, RED and usually DRY.
Pupils are very small. The body temperature is VERY HIGH,
sometimes as high as 105 degrees.
FIRST AID
Remember, Heat Stroke is a life-threatening emergency and requires prompt
action! Summon professional help. Get the victim into a cool place.
COOL THE VICTIM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE IN ANY MANNER
POSSIBLE! Place the victim into a bathtub of cool water, wrap in
wet sheets, place in an air conditioned room.
Do not give victim anything by mouth. Treat for shock.
2. HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heat exhaustion is less dangerous than heat stroke. It is caused by fluid loss
which in turn causes blood flow to decrease in vital organs, resulting in a form
of shock.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
COOL, PALE AND MOIST skin, heavy sweating, dilated pupils (wide),
headache, nausea, dizziness and vomiting. Body temperature will be near normal.
FIRST AID
Get the victim out of the heat and into a cool place. Place in the shock
position, lying on the back with feet raised. Remove or loosen clothing. Cool by
fanning or applying cold packs or wet towels or sheets. If conscious, give water
to drink every 15 minutes.
IMPORTANT: WHILE HEAT EXHAUSTION IS NOT A
LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY LIKE HEAT STROKE, IT CAN PROGRESS TO HEAT STROKE IF
LEFT UNTREATED!
3. HEAT CRAMPS
Heat cramps are muscular pain and spasms due to heavy exertion. They usually
involve the abdominal muscles or legs. It is generally thought this condition is
caused by loss of water and salt through sweating.
FIRST AID
Get victim to a cool place. If they can tolerate it, give one-half glass of
water every 15 minutes. Heat cramps can usually be avoided by increasing fluid
intake when active in hot weather.
SECTION
XVII
COLD EMERGENCIES
HYPOTHERMIA
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of this dangerous condition which can become life-threatening
are: shivering, dizziness, numbness, confusion, weakness, impaired judgment,
impaired vision and drowsiness.
Hypothermia victims pass through 5 stages, with each stage more serious and
leading to death!
STAGE 1 SHIVERING
STAGE 2 APATHY
STAGE 3 LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS
STAGE 4 DECREASING PULSE AND BREATHING RATE
STAGE 5 DEATH
FIRST AID
Seek professional help. Get victim out of the cold and into dry clothing. Warm
the body SLOWLY! Give nothing to eat or drink unless victim is FULLY
CONSCIOUS! If trained, monitor airway, breathing & circulation.
SECTION
XVIII
LEGAL & ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
DUTY TO ACT
No one is required to render first aid under normal circumstances. Even a
physician could ignore a stranger suffering a heart attack if he chose to do so.
Exceptions include situations where a person's employment designates the
rendering of first aid as a part of described job duties. Examples include
lifeguards, law enforcement officers, park rangers and safety officers in
industry.
A duty to provide first aid also exists where an individual has presumed
responsibility for another person's safety, as in the case of a parent-child or
driver-passenger relationship.
While in most cases there is no legal responsibility to provide first aid care
to another person, there is a very clear responsibility to continue care once
you start. You cannot start first aid and then stop unless the victim no longer
needs your attention, other first-aiders take over the responsibility from you
or you are physically unable to continue care.
NEED FOR CONSENT
In every instance where first aid is to be provided, the victim's consent is
required. It should be obtained from every conscious, mentally-competent adult.
The consent may be either oral or written.
Permission to render first aid to an unconscious victim is implied and a first-aider
should not hesitate to treat an unconscious victim.
Consent of a parent or guardian is required to treat a child, however emergency
first aid necessary to maintain life may be provided without such consent.
It is important to remember that a
victim has the right to refuse first aid care and in these
instances you must respect the victim's decision. You cannot force care on a
person who does not want it ... Regardless of their condition!
LEGAL CONCERNS
Some well-meaning people hesitate to provide first aid because they are
concerned about being sued. THIS NEED NOT BE A CONCERN! Legislators
in almost every state in the country have passed GOOD SAMARITAN LAWS which are
intended to protect good people who offer first aid help to others.
Most of the Good Samaritan Acts are very similar in their content and usually
provide two basic requirements which must be met in order for the first-aider to
be protected by their provisions:
1. The first-aider must not deliberately cause harm to the victim.
2. The first-aider must provide the level & type of care expected of a
reasonable person with the same amount of training & in similar
circumstances.
There should be little, if any, concern about
legal consequences inherent in providing first aid. You need only have the
victim's consent and then offer the level of care for which you are qualified.
SECTION
XIX
YOUR FIRST AID KIT
Everyone should have a well-stocked first aid kit handy at home, in the car and
in the workplace.
The contents of your kit will vary depending upon the number of people it is
designed to protect as well as special circumstances where it will be used.
For example, a first aid kit in a factory where there may be danger of flying
debris getting into the eye should certainly have a sterile eyewash solution in
its kit. If a family member is a known diabetic, your kit at home should have a
glucose or sugar solution.
When assembling your first aid kit, whether for
use in the home, car or at work, you should consider possible injuries you are
likely to encounter and then select kit contents to treat those conditions.
It's also important to check your kit periodically to restock items that have
been used and to replace items that are out-of-date.
It's also advisable at home and at work to have both a stationary kit, stored in
a cabinet or drawer, as well as a compact portable kit that can be taken quickly
to the site of an emergency.
RECOMMENDED CONTENTS FOR A
FIRST AID KIT
[Modify to suit your particular needs]
* Activated Charcoal (for poisoning emergencies)
* Adhesive strip bandages - assorted sizes
* Adhesive tape
* Alcohol - rubbing 70%
* Alcohol wipes
* Antacid
* Antibiotic ointment
* Baking soda
* Calamine lotion
* Chemical ice packs
* Chemical hot packs
* Cotton balls
* Cotton swabs
* Decongestant tablets & spray
* Diarrhea medication
* Disposable latex or vinyl gloves
* Elastic bandages
* Face mask for CPR
* First aid guide
* Flashlight
* Gauze pads - various sizes
* Hot-water bottle
* Household ammonia
* Hydrocortisone cream .5%
* Hydrogen Peroxide
* Hypoallergenic tape
* Ice bag
* Insect repellent
* Insect sting swabs
* Matches
* Meat tenderizer (for insect bites)
* Moleskin
* Needles
* Non-adhering dressings [Telfa]
* Oil of Cloves
* Over-the-counter pain medication [aspirin]
* Paper & pencil
* Paper drinking cups
* Roller guaze - self adhering
* Safety pins
* Salt
* Scissors
* Soap
* Space blanket
* Sam splint
* Sugar or glucose solution
* Syrup of Ipecac
* Thermometer - oral & rectal
* Tongue blades
* Triangular bandages
* Tweezers
* Waterproof tape
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